Liver diseases are a major public health concern and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. In 2019 alone, based on the estimates of the World Health Organization (WHO), liver diseases caused approximately 2 million deaths globally.

Liver cancer is the sixth most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with more than 900,000 new cases of liver cancer in 2020 based on the Global Cancer Statistics. It is the 5th most common cancer in men and the 9th most common cancer in women.

According to the World Health Organization, Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) are among the most common viral infections in the world. Infections with HBV and HCV have been established as risk factors for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which comprises about 75−85% of cases of liver cancer. And yet, approximately 90% of people living with HBV and 80% of HCV patients are unaware they are infected, which leads to further transmission rates.

Despite its significance, liver diseases have not received much attention in developing countries where the disease burden is high, such as the Philippines. In 2020, liver diseases accounted for 27.3 cases per 1000 deaths in the country according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. In the same year, the country logged a total of 10,594 new cases and 9,953 deaths, with a 5-year prevalence in all ages at 10.01 per 100,000 population. These numbers may not reflect the true burden of liver disease in the country and may likely be underestimated due to limited epidemiological studies.

During the 69th World Health Assembly held in May 2016, 194 Member States made a historic commitment to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030 with the launch of the first-ever Global Health Sector Strategy (GHSS) for Viral Hepatitis 2016-2021. In 2022, during the 75th World Health Assembly, a new GHSS for viral hepatitis for the period 2022-2030 was approved for implementation over the next 8 years. The new strategies propose a common vision to end epidemics and advance universal health coverage, primary health care and health security in a world where all people have access to high-quality, evidence-based and people-centered health services.

January marks the annual observance of Liver Cancer and Viral Hepatitis Awareness Prevention Month in the Philippines. It is very timely to promote awareness and gather different stakeholders to discuss updates on the initiatives, developments and the continuing challenges in the prevention and management of liver diseases. It is also an opportunity to delineate the different roles of key agencies and stakeholders, as aligned with goals of the Republic Act No. 11223 or Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, which is to ensure that all Filipinos are guaranteed equitable access to quality and affordable health care goods and services and protected against financial risk.

Furthermore, as per Department of Labor and Employment Advisory No. 5 series 2010 (Guidelines for the Implementation of a Workplace Policy and Program on Hepatitis B), individuals found to be positive with HBV shall not be declared unfit to work without appropriate medical evaluation and counseling. Moreso, workers shall not be discriminated against, from pre- to post-employment, including hiring, promotion, or assignment, because of their Hepatitis B status.

In line with this, the Stratbase ADR Institute, in partnership with Yellow Warriors Society Philippines and UHC Watch, organized a roundtable discussion entitled, “From Awareness to Action: Empowering Stakeholders for Better Liver Care”, on 19 January 2024, Friday, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (PHT).

This event gathered experts and stakeholders from the public, private, and civil society sectors to share perspectives and recommendations on how to progressively achieve the goals of the current GHSS and the UHC Act.